Family Planning
Everything expat parents need to know about having a baby in Singapore - from choosing your hospital to maternity insurance, confinement care, and planning for your newborn's future.
Where to Deliver
Singapore offers excellent maternity care at both public and private hospitals. Your choice depends on budget, preferences, and any specific medical needs.
Singapore's leading maternity hospital with 25,000+ deliveries annually. Comprehensive women's and children's services. Modern facilities with hotel-like rooms.
Premier private hospital in Orchard Road. Excellent for high-risk pregnancies with comprehensive specialist support. International patient services.
Beautiful garden setting near Botanic Gardens. Well-regarded maternity services with experienced obstetricians. Good for routine to moderate-risk pregnancies.
Not-for-profit Catholic hospital known for compassionate care. More affordable than other private hospitals. Popular with budget-conscious expats.
Central location near Bugis. Comprehensive maternity packages with transparent pricing. Part of Raffles Medical Group network.
Community hospital serving the East Coast area. Intimate setting with personalized care. Good option for expats living in the East.
Singapore's largest public maternity hospital. Specialist in high-risk pregnancies with Level III NICU. Best choice for complicated cases.
Academic medical centre with excellent obstetrics department. Good for those living in the West. Strong research capabilities.
Singapore's oldest and largest hospital. Comprehensive facilities with experienced obstetricians. Close to CBD.
Expats pay unsubsidized rates at public hospitals. Choose Class A (single room) for privacy comparable to private hospitals, but at lower cost. You get the same excellent doctors at 30-40% less than private hospital prices.
💡 Tip: Meet 2-3 ob-gyns before deciding. Most offer initial consultations where you can assess compatibility. Ask friends and expat groups for recommendations.
Financial Planning
Understanding the full cost of having a baby in Singapore helps you plan and budget accordingly. Here's a comprehensive breakdown from prenatal to delivery.
~10-12 visits over 9 months
OSCAR, blood tests, ultrasound
Optional genetic screening
Detailed fetal assessment
Gestational diabetes screening
Folic acid, vitamins, etc.
Single room accommodation
Hospital delivery charges
Doctor's professional fee
If epidural is used
Newborn assessment
Hospital supplies, medications
Add $3-5K for C-section
Total prenatal + delivery
Natural delivery, single room
With complications coverage
*Costs are estimates and vary by hospital, doctor, and individual circumstances. Complications can significantly increase costs.
Protection
Maternity insurance is a specialised form of health coverage designed to support expecting mothers throughout pregnancy, from conception through delivery and postnatal care. Standard health insurance typically DOES NOT cover normal pregnancy, so specific maternity coverage is essential.
Medical expenses can quickly accumulate. Delivery alone costs $7K to $25K at private hospitals
Emergency procedures, premature births, or extended hospitalisation can exceed typical costs significantly
Many plans cover your newborn's medical needs including screenings, vaccinations, and neonatal conditions
Focus on your health and family rather than worrying about mounting medical bills
Maternity insurance has mandatory waiting periods of 10-24 months before benefits kick in. This means you need to purchase coverage well before getting pregnant. If you're already pregnant, you typically cannot add maternity coverage for the current pregnancy.
→ Plan ahead: Get maternity insurance 1-2 years before you plan to conceive.
Singapore's basic universal health insurance. Note: MediShield Life does not cover routine maternity expenses—only serious pregnancy complications.
Important: Normal prenatal care, routine diagnostic tests, and uncomplicated deliveries are not covered under MediShield Life.
Use your CPF MediSave savings to pay for delivery and pre-delivery costs at both public and private hospitals.
How to claim: Present pre-delivery bills to your delivery hospital. They submit to CPF Board on your behalf.
IPs enhance MediShield Life for general hospitalisation. However, normal maternity is not covered. Pregnancy complication coverage requires additional riders.
Tip: If planning pregnancy, consider dedicated maternity insurance plans instead, which offer broader coverage for both complications and congenital conditions.
Specific pregnancy coverage designed for maternity needs. Most affordable option with cash payouts upon delivery and complication coverage.
Maternity benefits bundled with investment-linked plans (ILP) or whole life insurance. Long-term savings component with maternity rider.
Most comprehensive option. Global coverage with maternity benefits added. Ideal for expats who may relocate or want worldwide flexibility.
Use this checklist when evaluating any maternity insurance plan:
What is the waiting period before I can claim?
Most plans require 10-24 months. Know the exact timeline.
What's the total coverage limit (lifetime cap)?
Some plans have per-pregnancy or lifetime limits. Ensure it covers your needs.
Are pregnancy complications covered?
Check for gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage.
What newborn benefits are included?
Coverage period (30-90 days), NICU coverage, congenital conditions.
Is C-section covered? Under what conditions?
Most cover medically necessary C-sections only. Elective usually excluded.
What pre-existing conditions are excluded?
Declare all conditions upfront to avoid claim rejection later.
Can I choose my own hospital and doctor?
Some plans limit to panel hospitals. Check if your preferred hospital is covered.
What's the claim process and approval time?
Standard claims: 7-14 days. Pre-authorization for planned procedures: 2-5 days.
Is there coverage for multiple pregnancies?
If planning more children, check if coverage continues or requires new policy.
What's the age limit for coverage?
Some plans have age restrictions (e.g., coverage ends at 40 or 45).
Do you prefer private or public hospitals? Specific obstetricians? Particular amenities? These preferences significantly influence the coverage level you need.
Consider both premium costs and potential out-of-pocket expenses. Balance coverage desires with realistic budget constraints for sustainable payments.
Look beyond premium prices. Compare waiting periods, coverage limits, excluded conditions, and specific benefits that align with your anticipated needs.
Consult with insurance advisors who specialise in healthcare coverage, especially if you have complex medical history or specific requirements.
Timing is critical for maternity insurance. Here's the ideal timeline:
Before planned pregnancy
With medical documentation
10-12 months typically
Ready to conceive
Generally yes, especially given Singapore's high maternity costs ($7K-$25K for delivery alone). The financial protection often far exceeds premium costs, particularly when complications arise. It becomes especially valuable for families planning multiple children, as the initial waiting period investment provides ongoing protection for future pregnancies.
Unfortunately, most maternity insurance plans will not cover a pregnancy that has already begun. The waiting period requirement exists specifically to ensure coverage is obtained before conception. However, you may still be able to get coverage for future pregnancies. It's worth consulting an advisor to understand your options.
Standard maternity claims are typically processed within 7-14 working days of complete documentation submission. Pre-authorisation for planned procedures (like scheduled C-sections) often receives faster approval, typically within 2 to 5 working days. Digital submissions and direct billing arrangements can speed this up to 24-48 hours for routine claims.
Key limitations include: Waiting periods (10-24 months before coverage begins); Pre-existing conditions (chronic health issues may be excluded); Coverage caps (benefit limits may restrict access to premium services); and Provider restrictions (some plans require using approved providers). These can result in out-of-pocket expenses despite having coverage.
Don't wait until you're pregnant. Get maternity insurance now to ensure you're covered when you need it. Our advisors can help you compare plans, understand coverage details, and find the best option for your situation at no cost to you.
We're independent advisors. We'll recommend the best plan for you, not the highest commission.
Entitlements
Singapore offers statutory maternity and paternity leave, but entitlements differ significantly between Citizens/PRs and foreigners. Here's what you need to know.
16 Weeks Paid Leave
Depends on Employment Contract
2 Weeks Paid Leave
2 Weeks (Employer-Paid)
Company Policy Only
Working fathers who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents can share up to 4 weeks of the mother's 16 weeks maternity leave, provided the child is a Singapore Citizen at birth or becomes one within 12 months. This is in addition to the 2 weeks paternity leave, giving fathers potentially 6 weeks of leave.
Note: Requires mutual agreement between parents. Mother must be eligible for maternity leave benefits. Father must have served employer for 3+ continuous months before child's birth.
If your employer doesn't offer paid maternity leave, negotiate! Many companies are willing to provide benefits beyond statutory requirements to retain talent. Check if your company has a global parental leave policy that might apply to you.
Post-Natal Care
"Confinement" is a traditional post-natal practice common in Asian cultures where new mothers rest for 28-40 days while receiving special care. Many expats embrace this tradition for its practical benefits.
A trained caregiver who lives in your home for 28+ days. Handles baby care, cooks special confinement meals, and helps mother recover.
💡 Book 3-6 months in advance! Good nannies are in high demand.
Hotel-like facility where mother and baby stay for the confinement period. All services on-site with professional staff.
💡 Great if you want a break from home duties. Tour facilities before booking.
| Factor | Confinement Nanny | Confinement Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (28 days) | $3,000-$6,000 | $15,000-$30,000 |
| Location | Your home | Centre facility |
| Family involvement | High (dad/family present) | Limited (visiting hours) |
| Privacy | Shared space with nanny | Private suite |
| Professional support | Nanny expertise varies | Full team (nurses, lactation) |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, family bonding | Maximum rest, first-time moms |
Get Ready
Pack your hospital bag 2-4 weeks before your due date. Here's everything you need for a comfortable hospital stay.
💡 Most hospitals provide basic baby supplies during stay. Check what's included.
💡 Make copies of all documents and store digitally.
Post-Delivery
Congratulations! Once your baby arrives, there are important administrative tasks and planning considerations. Here's your post-birth checklist.
Must register within 14 days at ICA. Hospital usually assists with this. Birth certificate will be issued.
Apply at your embassy/consulate for baby's citizenship documents if not Singaporean.
Confirm maternity leave start date and any benefits claims.
Add baby to your health insurance policy. Most require notification within 30 days.
Choose a pediatrician for ongoing care and vaccinations. First check-up usually 1-2 weeks after birth.
If you're on a work pass, apply for baby's Dependant's Pass through your employer.
Open a children's savings account to start saving for baby's future.
Consider hospital insurance, critical illness cover, and education savings plans.
Singapore is one of the most expensive places to raise a child. Here's what to budget for:
Monthly childcare
Monthly formula & diapers
International school (annual)
Birth to 18 years total
Source: Various Singapore studies. Costs vary significantly based on lifestyle and school choices.
Child Health
Singapore has a National Childhood Immunisation Schedule. Vaccinations are available at polyclinics, GP clinics, and hospitals.
| Age | Vaccinations | Est. Cost (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, Hepatitis B (1st dose) | Hospital fee |
| 1 month | Hepatitis B (2nd dose) | $30-$60 |
| 2 months | 6-in-1 (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB), Pneumococcal, Rotavirus | $200-$350 |
| 4 months | 6-in-1 (2nd dose), Pneumococcal (2nd), Rotavirus (2nd) | $200-$350 |
| 6 months | 6-in-1 (3rd dose), Pneumococcal (3rd), Rotavirus (3rd - if needed) | $200-$350 |
| 12 months | MMR (1st dose), Pneumococcal booster, Varicella (Chickenpox) | $200-$350 |
| 15-18 months | MMR (2nd dose), DTaP booster | $150-$250 |
| 10-11 years | Tdap booster, HPV (2 doses for girls) | $80-$400 |
| Annually | Influenza (recommended) | $30-$50 |
Polyclinics offer vaccinations at subsidized rates (for children of citizens/PRs). Even for foreigners, polyclinic prices are often 30-50% cheaper than private clinics.
Use the HealthHub app to track your child's vaccination records. All vaccinations administered in Singapore are automatically recorded in the National Immunisation Registry.
Planning Ahead
It's never too early to plan your child's education in Singapore. Understanding the timeline and options helps you make informed decisions from day one.
Infant Care Registration
Register for infant care centres early - waitlists can be 1-2 years! Popular centres like My First Skool, PCF Sparkletots fill up fast.
Infant Care (Optional)
Full-day infant care available. Cost: $1,200-$2,500/month. Citizens/PRs eligible for subsidies up to $600/month.
Childcare / Playgroup
Can start childcare or playgroup programs. More options available at this age. Cost: $800-$2,000/month.
Nursery / Pre-Nursery (N1/N2)
Structured learning begins. Options: MOE Kindergartens (cheapest for citizens), private preschools, international preschools.
Kindergarten (K1/K2)
Prepare for Primary 1. MOE schools have integration programs. Register for Primary School during P1 registration exercise (July).
Primary 1
Compulsory education begins. Citizens have priority, then PRs, then foreigners. International schools are alternatives.
PCF Sparkletots, My First Skool, NTUC First Campus
Cost (after subsidy):
Citizens: $3-$300/month
PRs: $200-$600/month
Foreigners: $800-$1,200/month
Mindchamps, Mulberry, Little Village, Pat's Schoolhouse
Cost:
$1,000-$2,500/month
Often bilingual programs, smaller class sizes, flexible hours
EtonHouse, Australian International, Canadian International
Cost:
$2,000-$3,500/month
IB curriculum, diverse environment, seamless transition to international primary
Popular childcare centres have waitlists of 1-2 years. Register within first few months of pregnancy for the best chance. Some parents register even before conceiving!
Working mothers can get substantial childcare subsidies. Basic subsidy up to $600/month, additional subsidy based on income up to $467/month. Check MSF website for eligibility.
Choose childcare near home or work for easier drop-offs. Consider future primary school zones too - living within 1km of a school gives priority in P1 registration.
Decide early: local schools (cheaper, more competitive) or international schools (expensive, more flexibility). This affects which preschool to choose for curriculum alignment.
Immigration
A child born in Singapore doesn't automatically become a Singapore citizen. Citizenship depends on the parents' status. Here's what you need to know.
Your child is a Singapore citizen at birth if:
For unwed parents: Child can acquire citizenship through the SC mother. For SC father, child must be legitimized by marriage.
If both parents are PRs (not citizens), your child born in Singapore is:
To apply for PR for your child: Apply through ICA website. Processing time: 4-6 months typically.
If neither parent is SC/PR, your child born in Singapore:
If your child is a Singapore citizen, they must renounce any other citizenship by age 22. Male citizens must complete National Service (NS) before renouncing.
More Resources
Baby fairs happen monthly at Expo and other venues. Great for deals on baby gear!
From maternity insurance to hospital selection, our team can help you navigate parenthood in Singapore. Get personalized advice and recommendations.